“How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (1966)

How the Grinch Stole Christmas 

Also known as Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

Brief Description: 

The Grinch is a surly asocial green creature with a heart “two sizes too small” who lives alone in a cave atop Mt. Crumpit, located above the village of Whoville. He especially hates Christmas and has always been annoyed by the town's Christmas celebrations. One Christmas Eve, he finally decides to stop Christmas Day from coming to Whoville by disguising himself as Santa Claus, his dog Max as a reindeer and, in a reversal of Santa's visit, stealing all presents, decorations, and symbols of Christmas. Once loaded, he plans on dumping the bags of stolen goods…

(possibly written by me, possibly taken from Tubi, IMDb, or Wikipedia and edited by me. I forget)

Date: 1966

Genre: American Christmas family comedy

Running time: 25 minutes 

Cast: 

Boris Karloff (Grinch / Narrator)

June Foray (Cindy-Lou)

Dallas McKennon (Max)

Thurl Ravenscroft (Singer)

Director: Ben Washam & Chuck Jones

Production company: MGM Television

Based on: How the Grinch Stole Christmas! by Dr. Seuss

Wikipedia page

Watch on Archive

Setting/Aesthetic/Feel: 2/5

I am not a fan of dull-bright, papery, over-colourful aesthetics. They're okay in a book—I love Dr. Seuss—but too much on screen.

Characters: 3/5

I hate the Grinch, okay?? He's just abusive towards that poor dog and that was all I could focus on. He’s so not like that in the book! Max was cute and pathetic and funny, though. 

Plot: 4/5

Very similar to the book, which I appreciated. I just hated actually seeing the Grinch at his two-sizes-too-small self. 

Theme/Message/Topics: 4/5

I liked the theme (same as the book) and seeing how the Grinch changed drastically after his heart sizing up.

Content: 4/5 (low)

As I mentioned, the Grinch was very abusive to his dog. The poor thing was always running away, trembling, cringing. It bothered me very much. 

Violence: 4/5 (low)

My siblings thought all the Max antics were hilarious and weren’t bothered by the violence. 

Overall: 3/5

I love the book. I was not a fan of the film and don’t plan to watch it again. Sorry. 🤷🏻‍♀️

EDIT: I may, after all, watch it again. Took me 2 tries to like the book. The TV special deserves the same second chance. Expect an update Christmas 2023!